What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

About Indus Waters Treaty:

• It was signed in September 1960 between India and Pakistan.
• The treaty was brokered by the World Bank, which, too, is a signatory to the treaty.
• Provisions:
  • The treaty fixed and delimited the rights and obligations of both countries concerning the use of the waters of the Indus River system.
  • It gives control over the waters of the three "eastern rivers' -- the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej -- to India while control over the waters of the three "western rivers' ' -- the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum -- to Pakistan.
  • The Treaty allows India to use the western river waters for limited irrigation use and unlimited non-consumptive use for such applications as power generation, navigation, floating of property, fish culture, etc.
  • It lays down detailed regulations for India in building projects over the western rivers.
  • The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers. It is known as the Permanent Indus Commission, which has a Commissioner from each country.